Café BWB: Our NYC Date with Gilda Joelle
From Birmingham to Miami and now NYC, BWB gets to know model Gilda Joelle beyond the glossy catalogues and charming Southern accent.
Gilda Joelle is a recently ordained New Yorker, so we had to meet at one of the most NYC spots we could think of: Le Chalet at Saks Fifth Ave. Alabama will always be her home, but we think NYC might be the one.
After completing her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Gilda jetted off to Miami to pursue her modeling dreams with Wilhelmina. After her sunny fashion fling in Florida, she signed with Next and APM NYC. When she isn’t posing for Fruit of the Loom, Bandier, or Lily Pulitzer, she’s taking nutrition classes at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition or partnering with Saving Jane, an organization that assists survivors of human trafficking.
Gilda is definitely keeping up with the NYC pace between studying, modeling, taking fitness classes, and soaking in the city. Luckily, BWB caught up with her for a quick coffee break of beauty tips, career goals, and personal philosophies.
YOUR DAY
Wake-up time?
If I’m not working, my wake-up time is typically around 7 or 8 a.m., depending on the time of my morning workout.
Morning beauty routine?
My morning beauty routine is simple. First, I splash water on my face. Then, I put on my hyaluronic serum and spray a toner before I apply face oil.
One activity you do every day without fail?
Move my body! Every day, I do some form of exercise. I love Nofar Method, Solidcore, Barry’s Bootcamp, and SLT Tread. Sundays are my favorite days to take very long walks.
YOUR ESSENTIALS
Your most overused phrase?
“Y’all” and “wow!”
How do you unwind?
How I unwind is by indulging in my guilty pleasures below:
Guilty pleasures?
Eating snacks in the bed and getting an hour foot massage at All Seasons in Greenwich Village.
YOUR THINKING
Strengths and weaknesses?
My greatest strength is that I’m very persistent when I have my mind set on something. On the other hand, my weakness is that I’m an over-thinker.
What can men learn from women and vice versa?
I feel like men can learn from women that it’s ok to show your emotions. Women can learn from men to not overthink and overanalyze.
One thing you would change about your profession?
Honestly, the only complaint I have about my profession is how models get paid. For instance, it can take up to three months to receive payment for a job once you complete it. I feel like models should receive payment as soon as they complete the job!
YOUR LIFE
A meeting that changed your life?
The meeting that I had with my first agency back in 2016 is one that completely changed my life. If I hadn’t had the courage and persistence to keep trying after hearing so many rejections, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Biggest risk that has paid off?
The biggest risk that has paid off is moving to Miami in 2016 without knowing anyone and hoping to get signed to an agency. Every agency in town told me “no” within the first 2 months of living there. However, I decided to stick it out a little longer, and at the end of 2016, Wilhelmina offered me a contract!
Proudest moment?
My proudest moment is ongoing. I’m living in NYC, following my dreams, meeting new people and traveling the world. I am so grateful.
Teresa Deely is a graduate from Columbia University with majors in English and Creative Writing. She is a freelance writer and marketing assistant working for clients in the wellness, jewelry, creative, and sports industries. She believes that one’s skin is yet another canvas and vehicle for art, and has loved styling her hair and applying makeup from a young age. Spending much of her time in educating youth and leading enrichment programs for children, she is highly motivated in discovering new ways to care for herself and sharing them with others.
If I hadn’t had the courage and persistence to keep trying after hearing so many rejections, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
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